Here at MVF we are constantly pushing the edge to learn more about the Bahamian ecosystem. A week ago we decided to explore the bonefish flats via small plane to better understand the habitat, fish movements and sandbars. We were keenly interested in the flats behind Joulters. With Kevin as pilot and Billy as top spotter, we flew in at around 1000 ft. Billy say something and we did a slow spiral to investigate. And guess what? A pod of Killer Whales swimming to the North just off Andros. I shot a couple photographs but upon hearing the plane they went down. Unfortunatley I had my wide angle lens on the camera to shoot the flats instead of my telephoto lens.
Upon returning to the Makara, I logged into the OBIS-Seamap site (www.seamap.env.duke.edu) and did a search on Killer Whale sightings in the Bahamas. I found out that there have been 5 sightings in the past 20 years reported by the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organization. I emailed them the sighting information plus pictures so they would not think I was crazy. I received a great email back from them saying thanks for the report and helping them expand their sightings database.
I am always amazed by what we find on each trip to the Bahamas. The rich diversity, the incredible people and the opportunity to explore and learn there is immense. And on every trip we contribute to the conservation of the islands in some way - a killer whale sighting, a chance meeting with an experienced guide, more data, more posts like this. Check it out.
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